Apparel-shirt.



No. 659,040. A Patented 0c't. 2, |900. J. S. RICHMOND. APPAREL SHIRT.

(Application led hInx'. 27, 1899.)

(No Rudel.)

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN S. RICHMOND, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

APPAREL-SHIRT.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 659,040, dated October 2,'1900.

Application led March 27,1899. serial No. 710,558. tNo model.)

construction, location, and arrangement, all

as will be more fully hereinafter set forth, as shown in the accompanying drawings, and

finally pointed out in the appended claim.

Referring to the accompanying drawings and to the-various views and reference signs appearing thereon, Figure l is a front view of a union suit as applied in use constructed in accordance with the principles of my invention. Fig. 2 is a rear view of the same. Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view on the line 3 3, Fig. l. the line 4 4, Fig. l. Fig. 5 is a pattern, on a reduced scale, of the union suit spread out and embodying the principles of my invention.

In my application for patent, Serial No. 706,980, filed February 27, 1899, I have shown and described, and claimed generically, a construction embodying the principles of my invention, and in said application I vhave claimed specifically the principles thereof as applied t0 a waist. It is the purpose of the present application to cover specifically the invention as applied to union suits.

Referring to the-accompanying drawings, reference sign A designates the body of the union suit and is constructed to openv in the back and to be closed in front. The body portion A is provided with the sides B C, the edges of which in use overlap each other in the back, as indicated in Fig. 2 and in dotted lines in Fig. l. The pattern-of the suit is provided with end flaps D E, forming continulations of the edges of the side portions B C, respectively. On one of the sides of the body portion is provided a slit or opening F, through which one of the end iiaps D E may be passed. In the particular formvshown, to which the invention is not limited, the slit or Fig. 4 is a similar view onl opening F -is provided on the right-hand side of the pattern, as viewed in Fig. 5, and through which the end fiap E passes. In the application of the invention, as shown, the union suit is put on by inserting the legs of the wearer in the leg portions G H of the suit and passing the arms through the arm-holes J K, to

wvhich, if desired, may be attached in the usual or any well-known manner sleeves. The end strap E is then passed around the body through the slit. or opening F. The i'lap D is then passed around the body in the opposite direction, and, finally, that portion of the iiap E which is passed through the slit or opening F is arranged to overlie the iiap D, thus forming an abdominal band or supporter, the two iiaps E and D being suitably secured at any convenient point-for instance and as shown, by means of the buttons or other securing devices indicated at R. L. Thus the suit presents an unbroken front portion over the chest and lungs of the wearer and at the back over the spinal column. The side ed ge B overlaps the side edge C, as clearly shown, thus presenting two thicknesses of the suit over this vital point, and the overlapping laps E D in frontof the body, together with the thickness of the main body portion at that point, provides three thicknesses of material across the abdomen, thus constituting a combined abdominal band or supporter and also efficiently protecting the stomach and other vital portions of the body in that region.

In the use of union suits difficulty has been experienced heretofore by reason ot' the opening at the crotch flaring, and particularly in the use thereof by ladies wearing corsets, wherein the suit at the waist is gathered by reason of the lacing of the corset. To avoid this difficulty and to provide a construction wherein the opening at the crotch will not flare or spread out, I form in the edge of the union suit the projecting portions M N, as shown in Fig. 5, which when the suit is in use conforms to the shape of Vthe wearer and enables the suit to hang properly, notwithstanding the contraction thereof at the Waist, as clearly indicated in Fig. 2. Similarly, in

order that the overlapping flaps E D may provide an efiicient abdominal band or supporter in front and over the stomach of the wearer, I provide. said fiaps with the projecting portions P Q, which when the flaps are properly scoured fit over the contour of the stomach, thus preserving the shape thereof and causing the supporter portion or feature of the invention to conform to the shape of the wearer at that point, as clearly shown in Fig. 1.

Many variations and changes would readily occur to persons skilled in the art and still fall within the spirit and scope of my invention. I do not desire, therefore, to be limited or rest rioted to the exact details shown and described; bul',

Having now set forth the Object and nature of my invention and a form of construction embodying the saine, what I claim as new and useful and of my own invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is-

As a new article of manufacture, a union suit comprising a body portion and integral leg portions, said body portion presentingr an unbroken front across the chest, and having side portions of diminishing width to form side straps arranged to overlap at the back and to be passed around and secured to the body portion, one of the side portions being slitted to permit the terminating strap of the other side portion to pass therethrough, said body portion having projections or extensions formcd in the edges of the material thereof adjacent to the lower edges of the juncture of the side portions therewith,whereby gaping at the crotch is prevented, as and for the purpose set forth. y

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 20th day of March, 1899, in the presence of the subscribing witnesses.

JOHN S. RICHMOND.

Witnesses:

E. C. SEMPLE, S. E. DARBY. 

